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How are continuous glucose sensors inserted?

Discussion in 'Ask A Question' started by Rabdos, Jul 13, 2020.

  1. Rabdos

    Rabdos Type 2 · Well-Known Member

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    Hello

    I am puzzled how the continuous glucose sensor microneedles are inserted.

    Is there a hollow guide microneedle that contains a flexible microneedle with the sensor where both are inserted one inside the other and then the hollow microneedle is removed?

    Is there an animation that shows how exactly the insertion takes place?

    Thanks!
     
    #1 Rabdos, Jul 13, 2020 at 5:34 PM
  2. Antje77

    Antje77 LADA · Moderator
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    That's exactly how it works for the FreeStyle Libre. Except the hollow needle (it's actually half hollow, like a U) isn't very micro.
    I made the mistake of looking at it before my first insertion. It doesn't hurt though.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
    #2 Antje77, Jul 13, 2020 at 5:42 PM
  3. Ushthetaff

    Ushthetaff Type 1 · Well-Known Member

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    66B1284F-CEF8-47A4-B669-14C80B707597.jpeg Here’s a pic of a failed one so it gives you an idea of what the actual “ grubbings” are like . . It looks horrendous but as @Antje77 says it doesn’t hurt . Not as much as taking 10 blood sugars a day using the old finger prick
     
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    #3 Ushthetaff, Jul 13, 2020 at 6:30 PM
  4. Juicyj

    Juicyj Type 1 · Moderator
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    @Ushthetaff Next time anyone queries the amount of blood these things can unleash it would be good to show them this, fully explains why some of mine were dripping blood from the centre :woot:
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
    #4 Juicyj, Jul 13, 2020 at 9:32 PM
  5. Ushthetaff

    Ushthetaff Type 1 · Well-Known Member

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    This one failed when I put it on , basically the retractable needle didn’t retract and that needle shown in pic ended up in my arm , not so bad I’ve had diabetes that long I can remember the syringe needles being longer than that and not as sharp lol
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
    #5 Ushthetaff, Jul 13, 2020 at 10:03 PM
  6. DCUKMod

    DCUKMod I reversed my Type 2 · Master
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    That pic would be FAB, with an easily recognisable object alongside, like a 2/10p coin, perhaps. That looks ginagerous, but anyone familiar knows it's very small indeed.
     
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    #6 DCUKMod, Jul 14, 2020 at 7:11 AM
  7. Ushthetaff

    Ushthetaff Type 1 · Well-Known Member

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    That’s a true statement . I suppose it’s possible to scale it to the thickness off the sensor,
     
    #7 Ushthetaff, Jul 14, 2020 at 8:13 AM
  8. DCUKMod

    DCUKMod I reversed my Type 2 · Master
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    I'm not arguing against what you are saying, nor criticising your photo, but I don't necessarily think @Rabdos has ever used the Libre (or such like), so may not quite appreciate the size of it.

    It's just me at my pickiest best. :)
     
    #8 DCUKMod, Jul 14, 2020 at 10:34 AM
  9. TashT1

    TashT1 · Member

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    The sensor is the same size as a £2 coin, I checked. As someone completely new to all this it was very daunting and I’m not looking forward to replacing this first one on Thursday.

    I made the mistake of looking at the needle before trying to apply the sensor & to me it looks huge. The nurse literally grabbed my hand & forced me to do it. It wasn’t a great moment for personal autonomy but I probably would have chickend out.

    But ultimately it didn’t hurt at all & I will be applying the next one.
     
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    #9 TashT1, Jul 14, 2020 at 11:54 AM
  10. porl69

    porl69 Type 1 · Well-Known Member

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    Haha. I think we have all done that! I hate needles even after 49 years of T1D. BUT it did not hurt at all. Been on the Libre for nigh on 2 years and only had one painful insertion
     
    #10 porl69, Jul 14, 2020 at 12:01 PM
  11. DCUKMod

    DCUKMod I reversed my Type 2 · Master
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    Tash, at it's worst, it's a bit like when your big brother pinged you with an elastic band. A sharp smart, then it's all over.

    (I was the victim, not the big brother.)
     
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    #11 DCUKMod, Jul 14, 2020 at 1:01 PM
  12. porl69

    porl69 Type 1 · Well-Known Member

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    :hilarious: that hurt a LOT more than the Libre insertion. I too was that little brother
     
    #12 porl69, Jul 14, 2020 at 1:48 PM
  13. JohnEGreen

    JohnEGreen Other · Master

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    I don't have a big brother or a small brother for that matter.

    But I have found the application of the sensor painless it's when it comes off it smarts a bit.
     
    #13 JohnEGreen, Jul 14, 2020 at 2:05 PM
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